Two sources, one disinfectant
| Source | Share of demand | Chloramine (2025 reports) |
|---|---|---|
| Winson plant, City of North Miami | About 60% | 2.0 ppm, range 1.0 to 3.4 |
| Miami-Dade WASD, purchased | About 40% | 2.5 ppm, range not detected to 4.0 (main system) |
Shares are from the city's Water Plant page. Both reports measure against a maximum residual disinfectant level of 4 ppm.
Why plain carbon may struggle
- Chloramine reacts more slowly with ordinary carbon than free chlorine does.
- It needs longer contact time, so small, fast-flowing cartridges let more through.
- At 1 to 4 ppm, small filters can be used up sooner than their label suggests.
- Many pitchers and fridge filters only claim chlorine reduction.
What to look for
- Catalytic carbon or media designed for chloramine.
- A chloramine reduction claim on the exact model's NSF/ANSI 42 listing.
- Sizing to your home's peak flow.
Living Water describes its Puronics Clarius iGen and Goodspring whole-home systems as removing chloramine and chlorine.
When the water smells more like a pool
Miami-Dade switches its water to free chlorine for about two weeks each year to clean its pipes; in 2026 that ran from September 28 through October 11, and it affects the county water North Miami buys. You may notice a stronger chlorine smell. For the city's own plant schedule, ask the Winson Water Plant at 305-953-2854. A chloramine-rated filter handles free chlorine too. Aquarium owners should use a conditioner made for chloramine and seek advice during these weeks.
Whole-home or kitchen
A whole-home system handles every shower and faucet. If drinking water is your only concern, an under-sink RO may be enough. See the chloramine filter guide.
Who notices it most
People who moved from a city that uses free chlorine, or from a home with a filter, often notice chloramine right away, especially in coffee, tea and ice. Others notice it mostly in a hot shower, where the smell carries in the steam. Because North Miami's mix of city and county water varies by location, the strength you notice can also vary from one part of the city to another.
Measure it
Jorge tests total and free chlorine at your tap and explains the reading. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.northmiamifl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23256/Water-Quality-Report-2025-PDF
https://www.northmiamifl.gov/281/Water-Plant
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/news-item.page?Mduid_news=news1753893105003591
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist